Amphoteric compounds

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are a variety of amphoteric compounds containing a quaternary nitrogen group, a covalently bound counterion, and an ester or amide group. These amphoteric compounds can be advantageously prepared via a chemoenzymatic green process, and exhibit good surfactant properties.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a division of application Ser. No. 14/856,656 filed on Sep. 17,2015; the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Inventions disclosed or claimed herein were made pursuant to a JointResearch Agreement between Eastman Chemical Company and Johnson &Johnson Consumer Inc.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to amphoteric compounds. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to zwitterionic ammonium compoundscontaining an ester or amide group, compositions of such compounds, usesof such compounds, and processes for making them.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is an increasing industrial and societal need for safer and moreenvironmentally-friendly ingredients and methods for preparing thoseingredients. In particular, it is highly desirable to provide methodsthat reduce or eliminate the use of irritating or allergenic startingmaterials, that employ biocompatible reagents, and that optimally usestarting materials derived at least in part from a natural source or are“nature-equivalent.” This is of urgent interest in consumer-facingindustries, such as personal and household care.

One class of materials that may be approached in a “greener” manner issurfactants. Specifically, there is a need for new amphotericsurfactants that avoid using irritating or allergenic starting materialsand that are made in a more environmentally-friendly manner.

Amphoteric (or zwitterionic) surfactants are used throughout thepersonal and household care industries. They are classified as specialtyco-surfactants that complement the performance of primary surfactants.These co-surfactants also increase the mildness of the formulation byreducing irritation associated with purely ionic surfactants.

The most common zwitterionic surfactants are amido-amine based materialsusing a diamine linker between the hydrophobe and the hydrophile, andare produced by a multi-step process from coconut or palm kernel oil andthe diamine N,N-dimethylamino-3-propylamine (DMAPA). Various patents(U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,280,179; 4,259,191) and publications (Parris et al.,J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., Vol. 54, pp. 294-296 (1977)) detail commonly usedpreparation methods for these types of materials. The processesgenerally involve the amidation of fatty acids with DMAPA at hightemperatures (150-175° C.). The intermediate fatty amino-amide is thenreacted with a hydrophilic species (e.g., sodium chloroacetate, propanesultone, or sodium 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate) to yield thefinal zwitterionic surfactant.

These processes have several drawbacks. For example, typical amidationprocesses require high temperatures for conversion and then distillationto remove unreacted starting materials. These high reaction temperaturescan generate by-products and impart color to the products, requiringadditional steps to remove the by-products and the color.

Moreover, DMAPA is a known sensitizer, as is the correspondingamido-amine. Both are found in trace quantities in the finalformulation.

Thus, there is a need for amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants that canbe prepared under milder conditions without using DMAPA or a DMAPA amideand/or that can retain or improve the performance properties oftraditional zwitterionic surfactants.

The present invention addresses this need as well as others, which willbecome apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is as set forth in the appended claims.

Briefly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a compound havingthe formula 1:

wherein

-   R is a C₃-C₂₄ hydrocarbyl group;-   R¹ is a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbyl group;-   R² and R³ are each independently a C₁-C₆ alkyl or alkenyl group;-   at least two of R¹, R², and R³ may be connected with the N⁺ to form    a heterocyclic ring;-   R⁴ is a C₁-C₈ hydrocarbyl group;-   X is O or NH; and-   Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻, SO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ⁻, PO₃ ⁻², or PO₄ ⁻².

In one embodiment, when R is a C₆-C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group, R¹ ispropylene, R² and R³ are methyl, and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻ in formula 1;R⁴ is methylene or a substituted hydrocarbyl group.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a mixture comprisingat least two compounds having the formula 1. The at least two compoundshave at least one different R substituent.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a process forpreparing the compound of formula 1. The process comprises:

-   (a) contacting an amine or alcohol of formula 2 with an amino acid    derivative of formula 3:

in the presence of an enzyme at conditions effective to form anintermediate of formula 4:

wherein R, R¹, R², R³, and X are as defined above and R⁷ is hydrogen ora C₁-C₄ alkyl group; and

-   (b) contacting the intermediate of formula 4 with a carboxylate,    sulfonate, or phosphate alkylating agent at conditions effective to    form the compound of formula 1.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a process forpreparing a mixture comprising at least two compounds having the formula1 wherein the at least two compounds have different R substituents. Theprocess comprises:

-   (a) contacting a mixture comprising at least two amines or alcohols    of formula 2 with an amino acid derivative of formula 3:

in the presence of an enzyme at conditions effective to form at leasttwo intermediates of formula 4:

wherein

-   R, R¹, R², R³, and X are as defined above,-   R⁷ is hydrogen or a C₁-C₄ alkyl group,-   the at least two amines or alcohols of the formula 2 have different    R substituents, and-   the at least two intermediates of the formula 4 have different R    substituents; and-   (b) contacting the intermediates of formula 4 with a carboxylate,    sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, or phosphate alkylating agent at    conditions effective to form the mixture of at least two compounds    of the formula 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a series of amphotericcompounds having the formula 1:

wherein

-   R is a C₃-C₂₄ hydrocarbyl group;-   R¹ is a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbyl group;-   R² and R³ are each independently a C₁-C₆ alkyl or alkenyl group;-   at least two of R¹, R², and R³ may be connected with the N⁺ 0 to    form a heterocyclic ring;-   R⁴ is a C₁-C₈ hydrocarbyl group;-   X is O or NH; and-   Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻, SO₃ ⁻³, SO₄ ⁻, PO₃ ⁻², or PO₄ ⁻².

In one embodiment, when R is a C₆-C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group, R¹ ispropylene, R² and R³ are methyl, and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻ in formula 1;R⁴ is methylene or a substituted hydrocarbyl group (preferably, ahydroxy-substituted hydrocarbyl group).

In another embodiment, X is NH.

As used herein, the term “hydrocarbyl” refers to mono- or di-valenthydrocarbon groups, depending on context. The term includes traditionalhydrocarbyls such as alkyls, alkenes, alkynes, aryls, and cycloalkyls aswell as hydrocarbylenes such as alkylenes, alkenylenes, alkynylenes,arylenes, and cycloalkylenes.

The hydrocarbyl group of R may be branched or straight-chain; andsaturated, mono-unsaturated, or poly-unsaturated. The hydrocarbyl groupof R may contain up to 24 carbon atoms, such as from 3 to 24 carbonatoms, 3 to 20 carbon atoms, 3 to 16 carbon atoms, 3 to 12 carbon atoms,3 to 8 carbon atoms, 6 to 24 carbon atoms, 6 to 20 carbon atoms, 6 to 16carbon atoms, 6 to 12 carbon atoms, or 6 to 8 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, R is a saturated, mono-unsaturated, orpoly-unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived from a vegetable oil, a nutoil, or a seed oil (e.g., palm oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, olive oil,coconut oil, or palm kernel oil). Preferred examples of oils includecoconut oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and hydrogenatedpalm kernel oil.

The hydrocarbyl group of R may also be a substituted or unsubstitutedC₃-C₈ cycloalkyl group. The term “C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl” is used to denote asaturated, carbocyclic hydrocarbon radical having three to eight carbonatoms. The C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl group may be substituted with one to fivesubstituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆carboxyl, C₁-C₁₅ aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₁₅ amido, cyano, C₂-C₆alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₆ alkanoyloxy, hydroxy, aryl, heteroaryl, thioether,C₂-C₁₀ dialkylamino, chlorine, and bromine.

As used herein, the terms “C₁-C₆ alkoxy,” “C₂-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl,” and“C₂-C₆ alkanoyloxy” are used to denote radicals corresponding to thestructures —OR⁵, —CO₂R⁵, and —OCOR⁵, respectively, where R⁵ is asubstituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl group.

As used herein, the terms “C₁-C₁₅ aminocarbonyl” and “C₁-C₁₅ amido” areused to denote radicals corresponding to the structures —NHCOR⁶ and—CONHR⁶, respectively, where R⁶ is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₅alkyl group.

The divalent hydrocarbyl group of R¹ may be branched or straight-chain;and saturated, mono-unsaturated, or poly-unsaturated. The hydrocarbylgroup of R¹ may contain from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbyl groupof R¹ may also be a C₃-C₈ cycloalkylene group.

The groups represented by R² and R³ may be substituted or unsubstitutedand branched or straight-chain. The alkyl and alkenyl groups representedby R² and R³ may contain up to six carbon atoms.

R² and R³ each independently may be substituted with one to threesubstituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkoxy,carboxyl, C₁-C₁₅ aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₁₅ amido, cyano, C₂-C₆alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₆ alkanoyloxy, hydroxy, aryl, heteroaryl, thioether,and C₃-C₁₅ trialkylammonium.

At least two of R¹, R², and R³ may be connected with the N⁺ to form oneor more heterocyclic rings. The resulting heterocycle (with thenitrogen) may be saturated, mono-unsaturated, or poly-unsaturated andmay be a mono- or multi-cyclic ring structure. Examples of theseheterocyclic structures include pyrrolidinium, piperidinium, pyridinium,quinolinium, tetrahydroquinolinium, indolinium, octahydroindolinium,acridinium, octahydroacridinium, and tetradecahydroacridinium.

The divalent hydrocarbyl radicals represented by R⁴ may bestraight-chain or branched and may be substituted or unsubstituted. Thehydrocarbyl group of R⁴ may contain from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

The hydrocarbyl group of R⁴ may be substituted with one to threesubstituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkoxy,carboxyl, C₁-C₁₅ aminocarbonyl, C₁-C₁₅ amido, cyano, C₂-C₆alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₆ alkanoyloxy, hydroxy, aryl, heteroaryl, thioether,C₃-C₁₅ trialkylammonium, chlorine, and bromine.

In one embodiment, R⁴ is substituted with a hydroxyl group.

Examples of the compounds of the invention include those represented bythe formula 1 where R is selected from the group consisting ofstraight-chain or branched C₆-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₁₈ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₈ dienyl,and substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl; R¹ is astraight-chain or branched C₃-C₄ alkylene group; R² and R³ are eachindependently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl andC₁-C₆ alkenyl; R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methylene,ethylene, propylene, butylene, and hydroxypropylene; X is O or NH; andY⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.

Other examples of the compounds of the invention include thoserepresented by the formula 1 where R is selected from the groupconsisting of straight-chain or branched C₆-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₁₈ alkenyl,and C₆-C₁₈ dienyl; R¹ is 1,3-propylene or 1,4-butylene; R² and R³ areboth methyl; R⁴ is 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene; X is O or NH; and Y⁻ is SO₃⁻.

Additional examples of the compounds of the invention include thoserepresented by the formula 1 where R is lauryl, myristyl, cetyl,stearyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from a vegetable oil, anut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ is ethylene, 1,3-propylene, or 1,4-butylene;R² and R³ are both methyl; R⁴ is methylene, ethylene, propylene,butylene, or hydroxypropylene; X is O or NH; and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.

Yet additional examples of the compounds of the invention include thoserepresented by the formula 1 where R is lauryl, myristyl, cetyl,stearyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from a vegetable oil, anut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ and R² combine with the N⁺ to form a3-piperidinium, a 4-piperidinium, a 3-piperidiniummethyl, a4-piperidiniummethyl, a 3-pyridinium, a 4-pyridinium, a3-pyridiniummethyl, or a 4-pyridiniummethyl group; R³ is methyl; R⁴ ismethylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, or hydroxypropylene; X is O orNH; and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.

Yet additional examples of the compounds of the invention include thoserepresented by the formula 1 where R is lauryl, myristyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀alkyl radical derived from a vegetable oil, a nut oil, or a seed oil; R¹is 1,3-propylene or 1,4-butylene; R² and R³ are both methyl; R⁴ is2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene; X is O or NH; and Y⁻ is SO₃ ⁻.

Specific examples of the compounds of the formula 1 include

-   (3-lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)dimethylammonioacetate,-   3-(3-(lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate,-   3-(3-(lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate,-   (4-lauryloxycarbonylbutyl)dimethylammonioacetate,-   (4-laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonioacetate,-   (5-laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonioacetate,-   3-(5-laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio) propanesulfonate,-   3-(4-(lauryloxycarbonylbutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate,-   3-((4-laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate,-   3-((4-laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate,-   3-((4-coconut alkyl    amino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate,-   3-((4-stearylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate,-   3-((5-laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate,-   3-((5-coconut alkyl    amino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate,-   3-(5-coconut alkyl amino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)    propanesulfonate, and-   (4-coconut alkyl amino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonioacetate.

In one embodiment, the compounds of formula 1 have a solubility of atleast 5 wt % in water at 20 to 50° C. In other embodiments, thecompounds of formula 1 have a solubility of at least 10, 15, 20, 25, or30 wt % in water at 20 to 50° C.

In various embodiments of the invention, the “C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical”of R in formula 1 may be derived from coconut oil, hydrogenated coconutoil, hydrogenated and/or fractionated coconut oil fatty acids, palmkernel oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, or hydrogenated and/orfractionated palm kernel oil fatty acids. Methods for converting theoils or fatty acids to the corresponding fatty alcohols or fatty aminesare known in the art. In such cases, the resulting product may be amixture of two or more compounds of the formula 1 where each compoundhas a different R substituent. For example, the “C₆ to C₂₀ alkylradical” may be derived from hydrogenated and stripped/fractionatedcoconut fatty acids. Coconut fatty acids typically include a mixture offatty acids, such as C₈, C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄, C₁₆, and C₁₈ fatty acids. Thefatty acids may be saturated, mono-unsaturated, or poly-unsaturated. Themixture may be hydrogenated to increase its melting point. In addition,the mixture may be stripped, for example, of the medium-chain fattyacids, such as C₈ and C₁₀ fatty acids, to yield a fraction ofpredominately long-chain fatty acids, such as C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty acids. Thesefractions (either the medium-chain or the long-chain, for example) maybe used to produce the compounds of the invention. When such fractionsare used, the reaction product would include a mixture of the compoundsof the formula 1 where some compounds may have, for example, a C₁₂ alkylradical substituent while other compounds may have a C₁₄ alkyl radicalsubstituent, etc.

Thus, in another aspect, the present invention provides a mixturecomprising at least two compounds having the formula 1:

wherein

-   R is a C₃-C₂₄ hydrocarbyl group;-   R¹ is a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbyl group;-   R² and R³ are each independently a C₁-C₆ alkyl or alkenyl group;-   at least two of R¹, R², and R³ may be connected with the N⁺ to form    a heterocyclic ring;-   R⁴ is a C₁-C₈ hydrocarbyl group;-   X is O or NH; and-   Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻, SO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ⁻, PO₃ ⁻², or PO₄ ⁻². The at least two    compounds have at least one different R substituent. In other words,    the at least two compounds have different R substituents.

In one embodiment of the mixture, when R is a C₆-C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group,R¹ is propylene, R² and R³ are methyl, and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻ informula 1; R⁴ is methylene or a substituted hydrocarbyl group(preferably, a hydroxy substituted hydrocarbyl group).

In another embodiment of the mixture, X is NH.

Examples of mixtures according to the invention include two or morecompounds represented by the formula 1 where R is selected from thegroup consisting of straight-chain or branched C₆-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₁₈alkenyl, C₆-C₁₈ dienyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₈cycloalkyl; R¹ is a straight-chain or branched C₃-C₄ alkylene group; R²and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting ofC₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ alkenyl; R⁴ is selected from the group consistingof methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, and hydroxypropylene; X isO or NH; and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.

Other examples of mixtures according to the invention include two ormore compounds represented by the formula 1 where R is selected from thegroup consisting of straight-chain or branched C₆-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₁₈alkenyl, and C₆-C₁₈ dienyl; R¹ is 1,3-propylene or 1,4-butylene; R² andR³ are both methyl; R⁴ is 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene; X is O or NH; and Y⁻is SO₃ ⁻.

Additional examples of mixtures according to the invention include twoor more compounds represented by the formula 1 where R is lauryl,myristyl, cetyl, stearyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from avegetable oil, a nut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ is ethylene, 1,3-propylene,or 1,4-butylene; R² and R³ are both methyl; R⁴ is methylene, ethylene,propylene, butylene, or hydroxypropylene; X is O or NH; and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻or SO₃ ⁻.

Yet additional examples of mixtures according to the invention includetwo or more compounds represented by the formula 1 where R is lauryl,myristyl, cetyl, stearyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from avegetable oil, a nut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ and R² combine with the N⁺to form a 3-piperidinium, a 4-piperidinium, a 3-piperidiniummethyl, a4-piperidiniummethyl, a 3-pyridinium, a 4-pyridinium, a3-pyridiniummethyl, or a 4-pyridiniummethyl group; R³ is methyl; R⁴ ismethylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, or hydroxypropylene; X is O orNH; and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.

Yet additional examples of mixtures according to the invention includetwo or more compounds represented by the formula 1 where R is lauryl,myristyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from a vegetable oil, anut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ is 1,3-propylene or 1,4-butylene; R² and R³are both methyl; R⁴ is 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene; X is O or NH; and Y⁻ isSO₃ ⁻.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a process forpreparing a compound of the formula 1. The process may be used toprepare any of the compounds of the formula 1 described herein. Theprocess comprises:

-   (a) contacting an amine or alcohol of formula 2 with an amino acid    derivative of formula 3:

in the presence of an enzyme at conditions effective to form anintermediate of formula 4:

wherein R, R¹, R², R³, and X are as defined hereinabove and R⁷ ishydrogen or a C₁-C₄ alkyl group; and

-   (b) contacting the intermediate of formula 4 with a carboxylate,    sulfonate, or phosphate alkylating agent at conditions effective to    form the compound of formula 1.

The C₁-C₄ alkyl group of R⁷ may be branched or straight-chain.

The alcohol or amine of the formula 2 may be obtained commercially.Examples of such alcohols and amines include 1-propanol, 2-propanol,1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutanol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol,cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, coconut alcohol, propylamine,isopropylamine, n-butylamine, sec-butylamine, tert-butylamine,isobutylamine, laurylamine, myristylamine, cetylamine, stearylamine, andcoconut alkyl amine.

Likewise, the amino acid derivatives of the formula 3 may be obtainedcommercially or may be produced by methods known in the art, includingreacting a haloalkyl ester with a dialkylamine.

The first step of the process involves reacting the amine or alcohol ofthe formula 2 with the amino acid derivative of the formula 3 in thepresence of an enzyme to form the intermediate of the formula 4.

The enzymatic reaction of step (a) may be carried out without an addedsolvent or in the presence of an inert solvent. Examples of inertsolvents include cyclic or acyclic ether solvents (such as diethylether, diisopropyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether, and tetrahydrofuran),aromatic hydrocarbons (such as benzene, toluene, and xylene), aliphaticor alicyclic, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons (such as hexane,heptane, cyclohexane, and limonene), halogenated hydrocarbons (such asdichloromethane, dichloroethane, dibromoethane, tetrachloroethylene, andchlorobenzene), polar aprotic solvents (such as acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide), and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the enzymatic reaction is carried out in the absenceof an added solvent.

In another embodiment, the enzymatic reaction is carried out in thepresence of one or more aliphatic hydrocarbons as the solvent.

The enzymatic reaction may be carried out at a temperature from about−100° C. to +90° C., preferably from about 20 to 80° C., and morepreferably from 50 to 70° C. The amount of the alcohol or amine 2 may befrom 0.5 to 20 equivalents, based on the amino acid derivative 3,preferably from 0.7 to 10 equivalents, and more preferably from 0.9 to1.5 equivalents.

Step (a) in the process of the invention is desirably carried out in thepresence of an enzyme effective to react the alcohol or amine 2 with theamino acid derivative 3 to form the intermediate compound of the formula4. Effective enzymes for this reaction include lipases. Examples ofthese enzymes include, but are not limited to, Lipase PS (fromPseudomonas sp), Lipase PS-C (from Pseudomonas sp immobilized onceramic), Lipase PS-D (from Pseudomonas sp immobilized on diatomaceousearth), Lipoprime 50T, Lipozyme TL IM, Novozym 435 (lipase from Candidaantarctica immobilized on acrylic resin), and Candida antarctica lipaseB immobilized on a porous fluoropolymer support as described in U.S.Pat. No. 8,889,373. Immobilized enzymes have the advantage of beingeasily removed from the product and re-used.

The enzymatic reaction may be carried out with or without in situ wateror alcohol by-product removal. The water or alcohol by-product can beremoved by any known technique, such as chemically via an alcohol orwater absorbent (e.g., molecular sieves) or by physical separation(e.g., evaporation). This by-product removal is preferably performed byevaporation, either by purging the reaction mixture with an inert gassuch as nitrogen, argon, or helium, or by performing the reaction atreduced pressures, or both, as these conditions can afford >98%conversion of the amino acid derivative 3 to the intermediate 4. Thepreferred pressure for carrying out the reaction ranges from 1 Torr(133.3 Pa) to ambient pressure, more preferably from 10 Torr (1,333 Pa)to ambient pressure, and most preferably from 20 Torr (2,666 Pa) toambient pressure. Any organic solvent that is included in this step mayor may not be removed along with the alcohol or water, and may assist inazeotropic removal of the alcohol or water. Upon completion of thereaction in step (a), the intermediate 4 of the process may be isolatedusing methods known to those of skill in the art, e.g., extraction,filtration, distillation, or crystallization.

The second step in the process to generate the final product of theformula 1 involves reacting the intermediate compound of the formula 4with a carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, or phosphonate, or phosphatealkylating agent. Examples of such alkylating agents include sodiumchloroacetate, 1,3-propanesultone, 1,4-butanesultone, sodium2-chloroethanesulfonate, sodium 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate,1,2-ethylene sulfate, 1,3-propylene sulfate, 3-bromopropanesulfate,sodium chloromethylphosphonate, sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropylphosphate, sodium 2-chloroethylphosphate, sodium3-chloro-2-propylphosphate, sodium 2-chloroethoxyethylphosphate, sodium2,3-epoxypropylphosphate, and sodium 4-chlorobutylphosphate.

This step (b) may also be carried out without an added solvent or in thepresence of a solvent. Examples of solvents include water, alcohols anddiols (such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol,2-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, tert-pentanol, ethylene glycol,1,2-propanediol, and 1,3-propanediol), cyclic or acyclic ethers (such asdiethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether, andtetrahydrofuran), ether-alcohols (such as 2-methoxyethanol,1-methoxy-2-propanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycolmonoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether, and diethyleneglycol monobutyl ether), ketones (such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone,methyl propyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, and methyl isobutylketone), aromatic hydrocarbons (such as benzene, toluene, and xylene),aliphatic or alicyclic, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons (such ashexane, heptane, cyclohexane, and limonene), halogenated hydrocarbons(such as dichloromethane, dichloroethane, dibromoethane,tetrachloroethylene, and chlorobenzene), polar aprotic solvents (such asacetonitrile, dimethyl formamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide), and mixturesthereof. The preferred solvents include water, C₂-C₅ alcohols,ether-alcohols, ketones, and mixtures thereof.

The second step may be carried out at a temperature from about −100° C.to the boiling point of the solvent (if employed). For example, thetemperature may be in the range of 25 to 150° C., 50 to 150° C., 50 to125° C., or 50 to 100° C.

The reaction in the second step may be carried out over a wide range ofpressures. For example, the pressure may range from atmospheric tosuper-atmospheric, e.g., 5 atmospheres or higher.

The amount of alkylating agent used is not particularly limiting. Forexample, the alkylating agent may be used in an amount ranging from 0.75to 20 equivalents based on the intermediate 4, preferably from 1 to 10equivalents, and more preferably from 1 to 1.5 equivalents.

Optionally, a base (in excess of what is needed to neutralize any acidpresent) is included in the reaction mixture of step (b). If included,the base may be chosen from metal hydroxides, metal carbonates, andmetal bicarbonates. Preferred bases include sodium carbonate and sodiumbicarbonate. The amount of base used can be from 0 molar equivalents to1 molar equivalent, based on the intermediate of the formula 4. Thepreferred amount is a quantity sufficient to keep the reaction mixtureslightly basic, generally a pH of 7.2 or greater.

Upon completion of the reaction in step (b), the product 1 may beisolated using methods known to those of skill in the art, e.g.,extraction, filtration, or crystallization.

The process of the invention may be used to prepare a mixture of two ormore compounds of the formula 1. In particular, the process may be usedto prepare any mixture of two or more compounds of the formula 1described herein. As noted above, the two or more compounds of theformula 1 would have different R substituents. If desired, a mixture oftwo or more alcohols or amines of the formula 2, with different Rsubstituents, may be employed in the enzymatic reaction step (a). Suchmixtures may be derived from, for example, coconut oil, hydrogenatedcoconut oil, hydrogenated and/or fractionated coconut oil fatty acids,palm kernel oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, or hydrogenated and/orfractionated palm kernel oil fatty acids. The enzymatic reaction step(a) would yield a mixture of two or more intermediates of the formula 4,wherein the intermediates 4 would have different R substituents. Themixture of intermediates 4 may then be reacted with the alkylating agentto produce the mixture of two or more compounds of the formula 1.

The amphoteric compounds of the formula 1 are particularly useful assurfactants. Thus, another aspect of the present invention relates tocompositions of matter comprising one or more compounds of the formula 1as surfactants. The compositions may contain from 0.001 to 20 weightpercent of the compounds of the formula 1.

In particular, the amphoteric compounds of the invention possess bothhydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, making them useful as surfactantsin a number of formulated product applications, including personal careproducts, such as skin care, hair care, and other cosmetic products;household and industrial surface cleaners; laundry products; dishcleaners; disinfectants; metal working compositions; rust inhibitors;lubricants; oil field products; oil dispersants; agrochemicals; and dyedispersions. The amphoteric compounds can also be used as emulsifiersand thickening agents in emulsions. The amphoteric compounds can beformulated into products as primary or secondary surface-active agents.Although their primary use is as cleansing and foaming agents, theamphoteric compounds can also be used for their anti-static,viscosity-controlling, emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties.

Such formulated products can contain from about 0.001 weight % to about20 weight %, from about 0.01 weight % to about 15 weight %, or even fromabout 0.1 weight % to about 10 weight % of the amphoteric compounds.

The formulated products of the invention may include other surfactantsin addition to the amphoteric compounds. These other surfactants caninclude anionic surfactants (such as alcohol ether sulfates, linearalkylbenzene sulfonates, and acyl isethionates), cationic surfactants(such as quaternary ammonium salts, amine oxides, and ester quats),amphoteric surfactants (such as betaines, amidobetaines, ester betaines,and amphoacetates), and non-ionic surfactants (such as alkypolyglycosides, alcohol ethoxylates, and fatty alkanol amides). Suchingredients are known to those of skill in the art.

As noted, the formulated products of the invention can be cosmetic,skin, and hair care compositions. Those compositions may contain skinconditioning ingredients or cosmetically acceptable carriers in additionto the amphoteric compounds.

Such skin care ingredients/carriers include retinol, retinyl esters,tetronic acid, tetronic acid derivatives, hydroquinone, kojic acid,gallic acid, arbutin, α-hydroxy acids, niacinamide, pyridoxine, ascorbicacid, vitamin E and derivatives, aloe, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide,witch hazel, caffeine, zinc pyrithione, and fatty acid esters ofascorbic acid. Other skin care ingredients and carriers are known tothose of skill in the art and may be used in the compositions of theinvention.

Additional ingredients that may be included in these formulationsinclude conditioning agents (such as polyquaterniums and panthenol),pearlizing agents (such as glycol distearate, distearyl ether, andmica), UV filters (such as octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate,benzophenone-4, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide), exfoliation additives(such as apricot seeds, walnut shells, polymer beads, and pumice),silicones (such as dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and amodimethicone),moisturizing agents (such as petrolatum, sunflower oil, fatty alcohols,and shea butter), foam stabilizers (such as cocamide MEA and cocamideDEA), anti-bacterial agents such as triclosan, humectants such asglycerin, thickening agents (such as guar, sodium chloride, andcarbomer), hair and skin damage repair agents (such as proteins,hydrolyzed proteins, and hydrolyzed collagen), foam boosters such ascocamide MIPA, preservatives (such as phenoyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium benzoate, and formaldehyde donors), and fragrances.Such additional ingredients are known to those of skill in the art andmay be used in the compositions of the invention.

Many personal care preparations are known in the art. They typicallyinclude acceptable carriers (such as water, oils and/or alcohols),emollients (such as olive oil, hydrocarbon oils and waxes, siliconeoils, other vegetable, animal or marine fats or oils, glyceridederivatives, fatty acids or fatty acid esters), alcohols or alcoholethers, lecithin, lanolin and derivatives, polyhydric alcohols oresters, wax esters, sterols, phospholipids, and the like. These samegeneral ingredients can be formulated into liquids (such as liquidsoaps, shampoos, or body washes), creams, lotions, gels, or into solidsticks by using different proportions of the ingredients and/or byinclusion of thickening agents such as gums or other forms ofhydrophilic colloids. All such preparations may include the amphotericcompounds of the invention.

The present invention includes and expressly contemplates any and allcombinations of embodiments, features, characteristics, parameters,and/or ranges disclosed herein. That is, the invention may be defined byany combination of embodiments, features, characteristics, parameters,and/or ranges mentioned herein.

As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean one or more,unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. Similarly, the singularform of nouns includes their plural form, and vice versa, unless thecontext clearly suggests otherwise.

While attempts have been made to be precise, the numerical values andranges described herein should be considered to be approximations (evenwhen not qualified by the term “about”). These values and ranges mayvary from their stated numbers depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by the present invention as well as the variationsresulting from the standard deviation found in the measuring techniques.Moreover, the ranges described herein are intended and specificallycontemplated to include all sub-ranges and values within the statedranges. For example, a range of 50 to 100 is intended to describe andinclude all values within the range including sub-ranges such as 60 to90 and 70 to 80.

The content of all documents cited herein, including patents as well asnon-patent literature, is hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety. To the extent that any incorporated subject matter contradictswith any disclosure herein, the disclosure herein shall take precedenceover the incorporated content.

This invention can be further illustrated by the following examples ofpreferred embodiments thereof, although it will be understood that theseexamples are included merely for purposes of illustration and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation of Ethyl 4-Dimethylaminobutyrate

40 wt % Dimethylamine in water (266 g; 299 mL; 2.36 mol; 2.5 equiv) wasadded to DMSO (430 mL) in a 2-L 3-neck flask. The initial heat of thesolution (exotherm to 28.4° C.) was cooled to 20° C. with a cold-waterbath.

Ethyl 4-bromobutyrate (184 g; 0.943 mol) was placed into a 125-mLaddition funnel and washed into the funnel with 15 mL of DMSO. Thefunnel was placed on top of the flask. Approximately 10 wt % of themixture was added, resulting in an exotherm. The exotherm was cooled to21° C. by the addition of ice to the bath, and slow addition of theethyl 4-bromobutyrate was started such that the temperature remainedbelow 23° C. The total addition time was 45 min.

After the addition was completed, the contents of the addition funnelwere washed into the flask with 15 mL of DMSO, and the reaction wasstirred at about 20° C. for 1.5 hours, at which point NMR analysisshowed the absence of ethyl 4-bromobutyrate.

The reaction mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel with 500 mLof ethyl acetate, and the layers were separated. The bottom layer wasextracted with a second portion (250 mL) of ethyl acetate. The combinedethyl acetate solutions were washed twice with water (350 mL and 250mL), dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to afford115.53 g of ethyl 4-dimethylaminobutyrate (77% yield).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.13 (q, 2H); 2.33 (t, 2H); 2.28 (t, 2H); 2.21(s. 6H); 1.79 (m(5), 2H); 1.25 (s, 3H).

Example 2 Preparation of Lauryl 4-Dimethylaminobutyrate

Ethyl 4-dimethylaminobutyrate (9.00 g; 56.5 mmol), lauryl alcohol (10.80g; 57.9 mmol; 1.025 equiv), and Novozym 435 (0.50 g) were combined in a250-mL 3-neck flask with a Dean-Stark trap. 10 mL of heptane was added.The reaction mixture was heated in a 70° C. bath and the pressure wasreduced until a good overhead flow of the heptane/ethanol azeotrope wasobtained (ca. 100 mm Hg). After 10 h, 99.9% conversion to product wasobserved according to NMR analysis.

The reaction mixture was filtered to remove the enzyme, the enzyme waswashed with heptane, and the combined filtrate was concentrated toafford 16.85 g of product. ¹H NMR indicated the product contained 96.1wt % of lauryl 4-dimethylaminobutyrate (96% yield).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.06 (t, 2H); 2.33 (t, 2H); 2.28 (t, 2H); 2.21(s, 6H); 1.79 (m, 2H); 1.61 (m, 2H); 1.26 (m, 18H); 0.88 (t, 3H).

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1 vol % trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 3.8 min.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 6.2 min.

Example 3 Preparation of(3-Lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)dimethylammonioacetate

Lauryl 4-dimethylaminobutyrate (4.00 g; 13.4 mmol), sodium chloroacetate(1.71 g; 14.7 mmol; 1.1 equiv), and sodium bicarbonate (224 mg; 2.7mmol; 0.2 equiv) were combined with 10.0 g of water in a 100 mL flaskand heated to 80° C. After 16 h, 99.8% conversion to product wasobserved by HPLC analysis.

The reaction mixture was dissolved in isopropanol, and the salts wereremoved by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated, then diluted withsufficient isopropyl alcohol to afford a flowable solution. ¹H NMR wasconsistent with the product structure and indicated 78 wt % of productand 22 wt % of isopropanol.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 4.6 min.

Example 4 Preparation of3-(3-(Lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate

Lauryl 4-dimethylaminobutyrate (3.00 g; 10.0 mmol), sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate (95%, 2.41 g; 11.6 mmol; 1.16 equiv),and sodium carbonate (106 mg; 1.0 mmol; 0.1 equiv) were combined with 9mL of isopropanol and 2 mL of water in a 100 mL flask and heated to 80°C. for 24 hours to afford 99.2% conversion to product according to HPLCanalysis.

Methyl isobutyl ketone (9 mL) was added and the mixture was concentratedto small volume. MIBK (5 mL) was added and the mixture was concentratedonce more. Acetone (15 mL) was added, the mixture was briefly heated toreflux, and then allowed to stir at room temperature for 5 h.

The precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with acetone, andair-dried to afford 4.48 g of white solid. ¹H NMR was consistent withthe product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 6.8 min.

Example 5 Preparation of3-(3-(Lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate

1,3-Propanesultone (1.70 g; 13.92 mmol; 1.0 equiv) was weighed into a100-mL round bottom flask. Lauryl 4-dimethylaminobutyrate (4.34 g; 13.92mmol) was dissolved in 21 mL of acetone and added to the flask. Thereaction mixture was heated to reflux for 12 hours to afford 97.0%conversion to product according to HPLC analysis.

The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. The precipitate wascollected by filtration, washed with acetone, and air-dried to afford5.35 g (91% yield) of3-(3-(lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate as awhite solid with >99.9% purity according to HPLC analysis. ¹H NMR wasconsistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 6.4 min.

Example 6 Preparation of Lauryl 5-Bromovalerate

Lauryl alcohol (25 g; 134 mmol) and 5-bromovaleric acid (24.77 g; 137mmol; 1.02 equiv) were combined with 1.25 g of Novozym 435. The mixturewas heated to 50° C. and sparged with nitrogen (500 mL/min) for 3 h, atwhich point GC analysis indicated >99% conversion to product. Thereaction was stopped after 6 h. The mixture was cooled to ambienttemperature and filtered to afford 36.63 g (78% yield) of lauryl5-bromovalerate.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.07 (t, 2H); 3.42 (t, 2H); 2.34 (t, 2H); 1.9(m, 2H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 1.6 (m, 2H); 1.26 (m, 18H); 0.88 (t, 3H).

GC (30 m×0.25 mm DB-5, 100° C. for 10 min, 100-250° C. at 25°/min, 250°C. for 29 min): t_(R) 24.7 min.

Example 7 Preparation of Lauryl 5-Dimethylaminovalerate

Lauryl 5-bromovalerate (10.37 g; 29.7 mmol) was dissolved in 40 mL ofisopropanol and 40% dimethylamine (18.8 mL; 16.73 g; 148 mmol; 5 equiv)was added. The mixture was heated to 50° C. for 10 h to afford >99%conversion to product according to GC analysis with >99% selectivityaccording to HPLC analysis

The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (60 mL) and 5% sodiumbicarbonate (50 mL), and the layers were mixed and separated. Theaqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (40 mL), and the combinedethyl acetate solution was concentrated. The residue was diluted withethyl acetate, dried with magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to afford8.98 g (96% yield) of lauryl 5-dimethylaminovalerate.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.06 (t, 2H); 2.36 (t, 2H); 2.33 (t, 2H); 2.28(s, 6H); 1.6 (m, 6H); 1.8 (m, 2H); 1.6 (m, 2H); 1.26 (m, 18H); 0.88 (t,3H). GC (30 m×0.25 mm DB-5, 100° C. for 10 min, 100-250° C. at 25°/min,250° C. for 29 min): t_(R) 23.2 min.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 3.7 min.

Example 8 Preparation of(4-Lauryloxycarbonylbutyl)dimethylammonioacetate

Lauryl 5-dimethylaminovalerate (4.69 g; 13.9 mmol), sodium chloroacetate(1.79 g; 15.3 mmol; 1.1 equiv), and sodium bicarbonate (234 mg; 2.9mmol; 0.2 equiv) were combined with 10.6 g of water and heated to 80° C.for 17 h, at which point HPLC analysis indicated 95% conversion toproduct.

Additional sodium chloroacetate (0.18 g; 1.5 mmol; 0.11 equiv) wasadded, and the mixture was heated to 80° C. for an additional 18 h, atwhich point HPLC analysis indicated 98% conversion to product.

The reaction mixture was dissolved in isopropanol, and the salts wereremoved by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated, then diluted withsufficient isopropyl alcohol to afford a flowable solution. ¹H NMRanalysis was consistent with the product structure and indicated 80 wt %of (4-lauryloxycarbonylbutyl)dimethylammonioacetate and 20 wt % ofisopropanol.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 5.0 min.

Example 9 Preparation of3-(4-(Lauryloxycarbonylbutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate

Lauryl 4-dimethylaminovalerate (5.00 g; 15.95 mmol), sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate (95%, 3.63 g; 17.54 mmol; 1.1 equiv),and sodium carbonate (169 mg; 1.6 mmol; 0.1 equiv) were combined with 15mL of isopropanol and 3.33 mL of water, and heated to 80° C. for 23hours to afford 99.8% conversion to product according to HPLC analysis.

The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and filtered toremove salts. The filter cake was washed with isopropanol, and thecombined filtrate was concentrated at reduced pressure and then in vacuoto afford 7.69 g of3-(4-(lauryloxycarbonylbutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonateas a white solid. ¹H NMR was consistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 4.8 min.

Example 10 Preparation of Lauryl 4-Dimethylaminobutyramide

Ethyl 4-dimethylaminobutyrate (10 g; 62.8 mmol), laurylamine (11.64 g;62.8 mmol; 1.0 equiv), and Novozym 435 (1.0 g) were combined and heatedovernight at 65° C. with a nitrogen sparge. The mixture was filtered andthe enzyme was washed with heptane. The filtrate was concentrated toafford lauryl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide (17.69 g; 94% yield).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.48 (br s, 1H); 3.22 (q, 2H); 2.30 (t, 2H);2.24 (t, 2H); 2.20 (s, 6H); 1.78 (t, 2H); 1.48 (m, 2H); 1.26 (s, 18H);0.88 (t, 3H).

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 3.2 min.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 5.0 min.

Example 11 Preparation of(4-Laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonioacetate

Lauryl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide (0.76 g; 2.5 mmol), sodiumchloroacetate (0.33 g; 2.8 mmol; 1.1 equiv), and sodium bicarbonate (42mg; 0.5 mmol; 0.2 equiv) were combined with 1.9 g of water in a vial andheated to 80° C. for 8 h, at which point HPLC analysis indicated >99.5%conversion to product. Cooling to ambient temperature afforded a verythick liquid.

The mixture was diluted with 0.475 mL of water, heated to homogeneity toafford a very flowable solution. ¹H NMR was consistent with productstructure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 methanol:water (containing0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100% methanol over 1min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection): t_(R) 3.9 min.

Example 12 Preparation of3-((4(4-Laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxy-propanesulfonateWater Solution

Lauryl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide (12.5 g; 41.9 mmol), sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate (95%, 9.15 g; 44.2 mmol; 1.06 equiv),and sodium carbonate (444 mg; 4.2 mmol; 0.1 equiv) were combined with38.8 g of water and heated to 90° C. for 10 hours to afford 99.7%conversion to product according to HPLC analysis. The mixture was cooledto ambient temperature to afford 59.5 g of a very flowable solution.

The material was diluted with a little water and filtered through finefilter paper to afford a solution which analyzed at 24.9 wt %3-((4-laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxy-propanesulfonate.¹H NMR was consistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 5.4 min.

Example 13 Preparation of3-((4(4-Laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate

Lauryl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide (10.0 g; 33.5 mmol), sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate (95%, 7.28 g; 35.2 mmol; 1.05 equiv),and sodium carbonate (355 mg; 3.35 mmol; 0.1 equiv) were combined with38 mL of ipa and 5 mL of water. The mixture was heated in an 85° C. oilbath for 12 hours to afford 99.9% conversion to product according toHPLC analysis.

The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated atreduced pressure. The residue was combined with 30 mL of methyl isobutylketone, and the mixture was concentrated at reduced pressure to smallvolume. 30 mL of MIBK was added, the mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 30 min, and the resulting solid was collected byfiltration. The cake was washed with acetone and air-dried to afford17.48 g of white solid. ¹H NMR was consistent with the productstructure.

Example 14 Preparation of3-((4-Laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate

1,3-Propanesultone (152 g; 1.24 mol; 1.0 equiv) was weighed into a 4 Ljacketed reactor. Lauryl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide (391 g; 1.24 mol) wasdissolved in 2 L of acetone and added to the flask. The reaction mixturewas heated to reflux for 18 hours to afford 99.1% conversion to productaccording to HPLC analysis. The reaction mixture was cooled to roomtemperature.

The precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with acetone, andair dried to afford 507 g (97%) of3-((4-laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate as a whitesolid with >99.9% purity according to HPLC analysis. ¹H NMR wasconsistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 5.4 min.

Example 15 Preparation of Coconut Alkyl 4-Dimethylaminobutyramide

Ethyl 4-dimethylaminobutyrate (20 g; 126 mmol), coconut alkyl amine(24.57 g; 124 mmol; 0.99 equiv), and Novozym 435 (1.0 g) were combinedand heated for 17 h in a 70° C. oil bath with a 50 mL/min headspacenitrogen purge. ¹H NMR analysis indicated 98% conversion to product. Themixture was heated for an additional 7 h with a 500 mL/min headspacenitrogen purge to afford >99.5% conversion of both components to productaccording to ¹H NMR analysis.

The mixture was diluted with heptane (26 mL) and filtered to remove theenzyme. The enzyme was washed with heptane (2×26 mL), and the filtratewas concentrated to afford coconut alkyl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide(38.35 g; 97% yield).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.43 (br s, 1H); 3.21 (q, 2H); 2.30 (t, 2H);2.24 (t, 2H); 2.22 (s, 6H); 1.78 (t, 2H); 1.48 (m, 2H); 1.26 (s); 0.88(t, 3H).

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 4.6 min. (lauramide).

Example 16 Preparation of (4-Coconut Alkylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonioacetate

Coconut alkyl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide (104 g; 0.335 mol), sodiumchloroacetate (42.9 g; 0.368 mol; 1.1 equiv), and sodium bicarbonate(5.62 g; 0.067 mol; 0.2 equiv) were combined with 249 mL of water in a1-L reactor and heated overnight at 80° C. to afford 99.6% conversion toproduct according to HPLC analysis.

The reaction mixture was filtered and the solution was analyzed by NMRto indicate 28 wt % (4-coconut alkylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonioacetate in water.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 4.9 min. (lauramide).

Example 17 Preparation of 3-((4-Coconut Alkylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate

Coconut alkyl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide (5.00 g; 16.1 mmol), sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate (95%, 3.50 g; 16.9 mmol; 1.05 equiv),and sodium carbonate (171 mg; 1.61 mmol; 0.1 equiv) were combined with14.64 g of water in a 100 mL flask and heated to 88-90° C. internal for8 hours to afford 99.1% conversion to product according to HPLCanalysis.

The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature to afford 21.06 g of anapproximately 34.0 wt % water solution of 3-((4-coconut alkylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate. ¹H NMR wasconsistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 5.2 min. (lauramide).

Example 18 Preparation of Ethyl 5-Dimethylaminovalerate

Ethyl 5-bromovalerate (25 g; 120 mmol) was combined with 45 mL ofisopropanol and 40% dimethylamine in water (45.4 mL; 40.4 g; 359 mmol; 3equiv) was added to afford a homogeneous solution. The mixture wasstirred vigorously and heated to 50° C. for 2.5 h, at which point GCanalysis indicated that the bromo-ester had been completely consumed.

The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with 150 mL ofethyl acetate, and washed three times with water (100 mL, 100 mL, and 50mL). The resulting ethyl acetate solution was dried with magnesiumsulfate and concentrated to afford 16.02 g (76% yield) of ethyl5-dimethylaminovalerate.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.13 (q, 2H); 2.32 (t, 2H); 2.26 (t, 2H); 2.21(s. 6H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.49 (m, 2H); 1.25 (s, 3H).

GC (30 m×0.25 mm DB-5, 100° C. for 10 min, 100-250° C. at 25°/min, 250°C. for 29 min): t_(R) 12.6 min.

Example 19 Preparation of Lauryl 5-Dimethylaminovaleramide

Ethyl 5-dimethylaminovalerate (5 g; 28.9 mmol), laurylamine (5.35 g;28.9 mmol; 1.0 equiv) and Novozym 435 (0.25 g) were combined and heatedovernight at 65° C. with a nitrogen headspace purge of 50 mL/min.Analysis indicated no residual ester but 1.3% amine remaining. 50 μL ofethyl 5-dimethylaminovalerate was added, and the mixture was heated at65° C. with a nitrogen headspace purge of 50 mL/min for 3 h to afford99.7% conversion to product (based on amine) by ¹H NMR analysis.

The mixture was diluted with heptane (15 mL), filtered and the enzymewas washed with heptane. The filtrate was concentrated to afford lauryl5-dimethylaminovaleramide (8.26 g; 92% yield).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 5.71 (br s, 1H); 3.22 (q, 2H); 2.27 (t, 2H);2.21 (s, 6H); 2.19 (t, 2H); 1.66 (m, 2H); 1.49 (m, 4H); 1.26 (s, 18H);0.88 (t, 3H).

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 4.6 min.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 3.3 min.

Example 20 Preparation of(5-Laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonioacetate

Lauryl 5-dimethylaminovaleramide (5.00 g; 16.0 mmol), sodiumchloroacetate (2.05 g; 17.6 mmol; 1.1 equiv), and sodium bicarbonate(269 mg; 3.2 mmol; 0.2 equiv) were combined with 12.44 g of water in a100 mL flask and heated to 80° C. for 8 h, at which point HPLC analysisindicated >99.5% conversion to product. Cooling to ambient temperatureafforded a solid mass.

The mixture was diluted with sufficient water to afford an approximately25 wt % solution of (5-laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonioacetate,heated briefly to near reflux, then stirred overnight to afford a clearwater solution of (5-laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonioacetate. ¹HNMR was consistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 3.9 min.

Example 21 Preparation of34(5-Laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate

Lauryl 5-dimethylaminovaleramide (5.00 g; 16.0 mmol), sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate (95%, 3.48 g; 16.8 mmol; 1.05 equiv),and sodium carbonate (170 mg; 1.6 mmol; 0.1 equiv) were combined with15.1 g of water and heated to 90° C. for 12 hours to afford 98.7%conversion to product according to HPLC analysis. The mixture was cooledto ambient temperature to afford 22.0 g of an approximately 32.4 wt %water solution of3-((5-laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate.¹H NMR was consistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 5.3 min.

Example 22 Preparation of3-((5-Laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate

Lauryl 5-dimethylaminovaleramide (1.50 g; 4.80 mmol) and1,3-propanesultone (0.616 g; 5.04 mmol; 1.05 equiv) were dissolved in 10mL of acetone. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 18 hours toafford >99% conversion to product according to HPLC analysis. Thereaction mixture was cooled to room temperature.

The precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with acetone, andair dried to afford 1.983 g (95% yield) of3-((4-laurylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate as awhite solid with >99.9% purity according to HPLC analysis. ¹H NMR wasconsistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 5.6 min

Example 23 Preparation of Coconut Alkyl 5-Dimethylaminovaleramide

Ethyl 5-dimethylaminovalerate (5 g; 28.9 mmol), coconut alkyl amine(5.66 g; 28.3 mmol; 0.98 equiv), and Novozym 435 (0.25 g) were combinedand heated for 14 hours at 65° C. with a nitrogen headspace purge of 50mL/min. Analysis by ¹H NMR indicated 99.7% conversion to product. Themixture was diluted with heptane (10 mL), filtered to remove enzyme, andthe enzyme was washed with heptane. The combined filtrate wasconcentrated to afford coconut alkyl 5-dimethylaminovaleramide (9.12 g;97% yield) as a low-melting solid, mp 37-39° C.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 5.70 (br s, 1H); 3.22 (q, 2H); 2.27 (t, 2H);2.21 (s, 6H); 2.19 (t, 2H); 1.66 (m, 2H); 1.49 (m, 4H); 1.26 (s); 0.88(t, 3H).

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 4.6 min. (lauramide).

Example 24 Preparation of 3-((5-Coconut Alkylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate

Coconut alkyl 5-dimethylaminovaleramide (5.00 g; 15.3 mmol), sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate (95%, 3.32 g; 16.1 mmol; 1.05 equiv),and sodium carbonate (162 mg; 1.53 mmol; 0.1 equiv) were combined with14.99 g of water in a 100 mL flask and heated in a 90° C. oil bath for12 hours to afford 99.0% conversion to product according to HPLCanalysis. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature to afford 21.95g of an approximately 32.1 wt % water solution of 3-((5-coconut alkylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate. ¹H NMR wasconsistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 5.3 min. (lauramide).

Example 25 Preparation of 3-((5-Coconut Alkylamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate

Coconut alkyl 5-dimethylaminovaleramide (1.50 g; 4.58 mmol) and1,3-propanesultone (0.616 g; 5.04 mmol; 1.10 equiv) were dissolved in 10mL of acetone. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 18 hours toafford >99% conversion to product according to HPLC analysis. Thereaction mixture was cooled to room temperature.

The precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with acetone, andair dried to afford 1.961 g (95% yield) of 3-((4-coconut alklyamino-5-oxopentyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate as a white solidwith >99.9% purity according to HPLC analysis. ¹H NMR was consistentwith the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 5.6 min (lauramide).

Example 26 Preparation of Stearyl 4-Dimethylaminobutyramide

Ethyl 4-dimethylaminobutyrate (20 g; 126 mmol), stearylamine (33.9 g;126 mmol; 1.0 equiv), and Novozym 435 (1.0 g) were combined and heatedin a 70° C. oil bath with a headspace nitrogen purge (100 mL/min). After23 h, NMR analysis shows complete conversion of both reactants toproduct. The mixture was diluted with 120 mL of heptane, heated,filtered to remove the enzyme, and the enzyme was washed with heptane.Upon cooling, the product crystallized from the heptane filtrate. Thesolid was collected, washed with heptane, and air-dried to affordstearyl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide (40.23 g; 84% yield).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.43 (br s, 1H); 3.22 (q, 2H); 2.30 (t, 2H);2.24 (t, 2H); 2.21 (s, 6H); 1.78 (m, 2H); 1.48 (m, 2H); 1.25 (s, 33H);0.88 (t, 3H).

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 10.4 min.

Example 27 Preparation of3-((4-Stearylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate

Stearyl 4-dimethylaminobutyramide (4.00 g; 10.45 mmol), sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate (95%, 2.31 g; 11.2 mmol; 1.07 equiv),and sodium carbonate (111 mg; 1.05 mmol; 0.1 equiv) were combined with 9mL of isopropanol and 1.5 mL of water in a vial and heated to 81° C. for18 hours to afford 99.8% conversion to product according to HPLCanalysis.

The mixture was diluted with water resulting in a homogeneous solution.Isopropanol was added and the volatiles were evaporated. The residue wastreated with MIBK and concentrated twice. The residue was diluted with20 mL of MIBK and allowed to sit overnight resulting in a solid, whichwas filtered, washed with acetone, and air-dried to afford 4.40 g of3-((4-stearylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonateas a white solid. ¹H NMR was consistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 80:20 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, 220 nm detection):t_(R) 13.4 min.

Comparative Example 1 Preparation of Lauryl N,N-Dimethylglycinate

Methyl 2-dimethylaminoacetate (189 g; 1.61 mol; 1.5 equiv), laurylalcohol (200 g; 1.07 mol), and Novovzym 435 (20 g) were combined in a 1L 3-neck flask equipped with a Dean-Stark trap. 80 mL of heptane wasadded. The mixture was heated in a 65° C. bath, and the pressure wasreduced until a good overhead flow of the heptane/methanol azeotrope wasobtained (ca. 110 mm Hg). After 5 h, 99.1% conversion to product wasobserved by NMR analysis.

The reaction mixture was filtered to remove enzyme, the enzyme waswashed with heptane, and the combined filtrate was concentrated toafford 289 g of lauryl N,N-dimethylaminoglycinate (99% yield).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.13 (t, 2H); 3.16 (s, 2H); 2.35 (s, 6H); 1.64(m, 2H); 1.26 (s, 18H); 0.88 (t, 3H).

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 5.2 min.

Comparative Example 2 Preparation of3-((Lauryloxycarbonylmethyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate

1,3-Propanesultone (18.2 g; 149 mmol; 1.01 equiv) was weighed into a 1 Lround bottom flask. Lauryl 2-dimethylaminoacetate (40.0 g; 147 mmol) wasdissolved in 200 mL of MIBK and added to the flask. The reaction mixturewas heated in a 100° C. oil bath for 5 hours to afford 98.5% conversionto product according to HPLC analysis.

The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. The precipitate wascollected by filtration, washed with MIBK, and air dried to afford 55 g(95% yield) of3-((lauryloxycarbonylmethyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate as a whitesolid with >99.9 wt % purity according to HPLC analysis. ¹H NMR wasconsistent with the product structure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 5.8 min.

Comparative Example 3 Preparation of Lauryl N,N-Dimethylaminoacetamide

Methyl 2-dimethylaminoacetate (28.4 g; 243 mmol; 1.5 equiv), laurylamine (30 g; 162 mmol), and Novozym 435 (3.0 g) were combined in a 250mL 3-neck flask equipped with a Dean-Stark trap, and 10 mL of heptanewas added. The mixture was heated in a 65° C. oil bath and the pressurewas reduced until a good overhead flow of the heptane/methanol azeotropewas obtained (ca. 150 mm Hg). After 2.5 h, 99.6% conversion to productwas observed by HPLC analysis.

The reaction mixture was filtered to remove enzyme, the enzyme waswashed with heptane, and the combined filtrate was concentrated toafford 42 g of lauryl N,N-dimethylaminoacetamide (96% yield).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.65 (br s, 1H); 3.05 (q, 2H); 2.81 (s, 2H);2.18 (s, 6H); 1.39 (m, 2H); 1.23 (s, 18H); 0.85 (t, 3H).

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 4.6 min.

Comparative Example 4 Preparation of3-((2-Laurylamino-2-oxoethyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate

Lauryl N,N-dimethylaminoacetamide (174 g, 643 mmol) and methyl isobutylketone (870 mL) were added to a 3 L round-bottom flask fitted with athermocouple, overhead stirrer, and coiled reflux condenser withnitrogen head. 1,3-Propanesultone (79.0 g, 650 mmol; 1.01 equiv) wasthen added to the mixture. The reaction was heated to an internaltemperature of 100° C. After 5 hours, heating was discontinued. Uponcooling to ambient temperature, the resulting slurry was filtered usinga 2 L fritted funnel. The filter cake was washed with acetone until thefiltrate was clear. The solid was placed in a 50° C. vacuum oven withnitrogen sweep to constant weight to afford3-((2-Laurylamino-2-oxoethyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate (227 g,89.7% yield) as a white solid. ¹H NMR was consistent with the productstructure.

HPLC (150×4.6 mm Zorbax SB-C8 column, 75:25 (v:v) methanol:water(containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) for 10 min, gradient to 100%methanol over 1 min, held at 100% methanol for 9 min, ELSD detection):t_(R) 5.2 min.

Example 28 Comparison of Water Solubility of3-((Lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate Versus3-(Lauryloxycarbonylmethyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate R¹=Propyl

To a vial was added 5.00 g of3-((lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)-dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate and 10.00g of water. The mixture was heated to 100° C. for an hour to afford aclear solution. The mixture was then allowed to cool to ambienttemperature, at which point it was still homogeneous with no precipitateor gel. This indicates that the solubility of3-((lauryloxycarbonylpropyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate in water isgreater than or equal to 33 wt %.

R¹=Methyl

To a vial was added 5.00 g of3-((lauryloxycarbonylmethyl)-dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate and 45.00g of water. The mixture was heated to 100° C. for an hour to afford aclear solution. The mixture was then allowed to cool to ambienttemperature resulting in a white solid. The solid was recovered byfiltration and dried in a vacuum oven at 55° C. in vacuo with a nitrogensweep overnight to afford 4.58 g of3-((lauryloxycarbonylmethyl)-dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate. Thisindicates that 0.42 g of3-((lauryloxycarbonylmethyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate remainedsoluble in 45 g of water at ambient temperature for a solubility limitof 0.92 wt %.

Example 29 Comparison of Water Solubility of3-((4-Laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate Versus3-((2-Laurylamino-2-oxoethyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate R¹=Propyl

To a vial was added 10.00 g of3-((4-laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)-dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate and 20.00g of water. The mixture was heated to 100° C. for an hour to afford aclear solution. The mixture was then allowed to cool to ambienttemperature, at which point it was still homogeneous with no precipitateor gel. This indicates that the solubility of3-((4-laurylamino-4-oxobutyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate in wateris greater than or equal to 33 wt %.

R¹=Methyl

The solubility of3-((2-laurylamino-2-oxoethyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate wasdetermined by mixing 5.00 g of material with 45.00 g of water andheating to 85° C. for 1 h to afford a clear 10 wt % solution. Thematerial was allowed to cool to ambient temperature to afford aprecipitate. The precipitate was filtered, and the resulting solid wasdried in vacuo at 50° C. with a nitrogen sweep for 3 days to afford 4.54g of recovered3-((2-laurylamino-2-oxoethyl)dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate. Thisindicates that 0.46 g of3-((2-laurylamino-2-oxoethyl)dimethylammonio)-propanesulfonate remainedsoluble in 45 g of water at ambient temperature for a solubility limitof 1.02 wt %.

Surfactant Properties

The surfactant properties of the compounds of the formula 1 can bedetermined by a number of tests including an ASTM foam height test and atest for critical micelle concentration.

The Standard Test Method for Foaming Properties of Surface-Active Agents(ASTM 1173-07) for 0.1 wt % and 1.0 wt % was used to determine thefoaming properties of the amphoteric compounds of the formula 1described herein. This method generates foam under low-agitationconditions and is generally used for moderate- and high-foamsurfactants. This test gathers data on initial foam height and foamdecay. Foam decay provides information on foam stability.

The apparatus for carrying out this test includes a jacketed column anda pipet. The jacketed column serves as a receiver, while the pipetdelivers the surface-active solution.

Solutions of each surface-active agent to be measured were prepared inborosilicate glass jars a day ahead of time, using ambient temperatureingredients, and were slowly rolled overnight to homogenize. Thesolutions were then removed from the rollers and equilibrated in aconstant temperature bath (49° C.+/−1° C.) for at least 1 hour beforemeasurement. The solution of the amphoteric compound to be tested wasadded to the receiver (50 mL) and to the pipet (200 mL). The pipet waspositioned above the receiver and opened. As the solution fell and madecontact with the solution in the receiver, foam was generated. When thepipet was empty, the time was noted and an initial foam height wasrecorded. The foam height was recorded each minute for five minutes.Exact size specifications for the glassware can be found in ASTM1173-07. The foam height results for each amphoteric compound 1 andrepresentative standards are listed below in Tables 1 (0.1%concentration) and 2 (1% concentration).

TABLE 1 Foam height (mm) at time t (min) at 0.1 wt % concentration Foamheight (mm) at time t (min) 1 g/L (0.1 weight %) t = 0 1 2 3 4 5Standards cocamidopropyl betaine 160 159 158 158 158 158 ExampleNo. 3171 170 170 169 169 169 4 142 139 135 132 129 127 5 157 154 151 149 147146 9 185 175 173 170 170 170 11 174 172 171 171 170 170 12 160 157 155153 151 150 14 143 133 123 108 95 75 16 158 157 156 155 155 154 17 148145 143 142 140 140 20 180 175 170 170 170 170 21 157 156 153 151 149147 24 157 156 156 156 156 155

TABLE 2 Foam height (mm) at time t (min) at 1.0 wt % concentration Foamheight (mm) at time t (min) 10 g/L (1.0 weight %) t = 0 1 2 3 4 5Standards cocamidopropyl betaine 174 172 171 171 170 170 ExampleNo. 3165 162 160 158 158 156 4 173 170 167 162 158 154 5 170 166 161 158 154152 8 185 175 170 170 170 165 9 195 190 180 180 180 180 11 182 180 179178 178 177 12 182 180 178 177 176 175 14 157 145 137 129 122 116 16 177175 173 172 170 170 17 174 170 168 167 166 165 20 175 170 170 170 165160 21 173 171 170 170 170 169 24 171 169 167 165 163 161

As the data in Tables 1 and 2 indicate, solutions of the amphotericcompounds 1 generated large amounts of foam. Examples in which the foamheight did not significantly decrease over time indicate good foamstability.

Surfactants are amphiphilic molecules that tend to adsorb at surfaces orinterfaces spontaneously. Surface tension is a measure of the workrequired to increase surface area of a liquid-gas interface by unitamount, and is a consequence of the inhomogeneity of molecular cohesiveinteractions at the interface compared with molecules in the bulk. Underideal conditions for surfactants in deionized water, the measuredsurface tension gradually decreases from the pure water surface tensionvalue with increasing surfactant concentration to a minimum that occurswhen the surface is fully saturated. The initial gradual decrease insurface tension is due to adsorption of surfactant molecules of lowercohesive energy at the interface in place of water molecules that havehigher cohesive energy. For surfactants that self-assemble in solution,once the interface is saturated additional surfactant molecules added tosolution will tend to aggregate into structures called micelles, sosurface tension remains essentially constant upon increase in surfactantconcentration.

The critical micelle concentration (CMC) is an important characteristicof a surfactant, and the CMC values were determined for the amphotericcompounds of formula 1. The CMC is defined as the concentration at whichmicelle formation first begins, and for surface tension determination ofCMC, is typically assigned as the concentration of the intersection oftwo straight lines through the data, where the first line is the linearportion of the initial decline in surface tension with increasingsurfactant concentration, and the second is the line of constant surfacetension.

A lower CMC value is desirable and indicates less surfactant is neededto saturate interfaces and form micelles. Typical CMC values are lessthan 1 weight percent (10,000 ppm).

The critical micelle concentration was determined from plots of surfacetension as a function of the logarithm of active surfactantconcentration. Surface tension was measured via the Wilhelmy platetechnique. In this method, the downward force of a rigorously cleanplate probe that just contacts the liquid surface of the test sample ismeasured, and the surface tension is calculated from knowledge of thecontact angle the liquid makes with the probe surface and the length ofthe probe plate.

A K100C Tensiometer (Kruss GmbH) was used to measure surface tension ofsolutions in a glass sample vessel. All measurements were made underambient temperature conditions.

The tensiometer was equipped with a computer-controlled microdispensingand aspirating system to automate surfactant concentration adjustmentsof the test solution while maintaining constant solution volume betweensuccessive measurements. A roughened platinum plate probe was used.Cleanliness of probe, sample vessel, and microdispensing system wasverified after cleaning between samples by measuring the surface tensionof pure deionized water run through the system as a control.

100 mL of the 1 mg/L surfactant solution was added to the clean samplevessel and placed in the instrument. The plate probe was rinsed withdeionized water and flame treated to combust off residual organicimpurities, then mounted in position in the tensiometer. The experimentwas initiated and run through the LabDesk version 3.2.2 (Kruss GmbH)software.

The surface tension measurements were run sequentially (andautomatically) from most dilute to most concentrated by incrementallyinjecting known volume aliquots of the 10,000 mg/L surfactant solutioninto the sample, homogenizing the sample after injection by stirring for30 seconds via a magnetic stir bar in the solution, and then aspiratingout equal volume that was added to the sample vessel to keep the totalsample volume constant for each measurement.

The sample vessel was then automatically moved into measurementposition, and the surface tension measurement was made and recorded.This sequence was repeated until all concentrations had been measured.

The active surfactant concentration range spanned from 1 mg/L to 5000mg/L over 50 concentration increments, equally spaced on a logarithmicscale over the full range of concentrations measured.

The sample at each concentration was measured 10 times, and the averageof the 10 measures was plotted against the logarithm of the surfactantconcentration.

After completing the full range of concentrations, the software providedbest-fit lines to estimate CMC, and these regression lines were manuallyadjusted as needed to give the broadest range of linear behavior foreach line. Generally, these manual adjustments resulted in a range ofpotential CMC values that spanned 1-3 mg/L, and this range can beconsidered to be an estimate of uncertainty in the reported CMC.

TABLE 3 Critical micelle concentrations CMC (mg/L) StandardsN-lauryl-N,N-dimethyl- 962 3-ammonio-1- propanesulfonate cocamidopropylbetaine 12.7 cocamidopropyl 9.5 hydroxysultaine Compound from ExampleNo. 3 24.2 5 53.9 11 76.5 12 80.9 14 133.9 16 5.8 17 6.4 21 104.5 24 7.9

The data in Table 3 indicate that very low concentrations of theamphoteric compounds 1 are needed to reach the critical micelleconcentration. These values fall in the range of useful surface-activeagents, and compare well with standard surfactants.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference topreferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variationsand modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A process for preparing a compound having the formula 1:

wherein R is a C₃-C₂₄ hydrocarbyl group; R¹ is a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbylgroup; R² and R³ are each independently a C₁-C₆ alkyl or alkenyl group;at least two of R¹, R², and R³ may be connected with the N⁺ to form aheterocyclic ring; R⁴ is a C₁-C₈ hydrocarbyl group; X is O or NH; and Y⁻is CO₂ ⁻, SO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ⁻, PO₃ ⁻, or PO₄ ⁻², the process comprising: (a)contacting an amine or alcohol of formula 2 with an amino acidderivative of formula 3:

in the presence of an enzyme at conditions effective to form anintermediate of formula 4:

wherein R, R¹, R², R³, and X are as defined above and R⁷ is hydrogen ora C₁-C₄ alkyl group; and (b) contacting the intermediate of formula 4with a carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, or phosphatealkylating agent at conditions effective to form the compound offormula
 1. 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the enzyme is alipase from Pseudomonas sp or Candida antarctica.
 3. The processaccording to claim 1, wherein the alkylating agent is selected from thegroup consisting of sodium chloroacetate, 1,3-propanesultone,1,4-butanesultone, sodium 2-chloroethanesulfonate, sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate, 1,2-ethylene sulfate, 1,3-propylenesulfate, 3-bromopropanesulfate, sodium chloromethylphosphonate, sodium3-chloro-2-hydroxypropylphosphate, sodium 2-chloroethylphosphate, sodium3-chloro-2-propylphosphate, sodium 2-chloroethoxyethylphosphate, sodium2,3-epoxypropylphosphate, and sodium 4-chlorobutylphosphate.
 4. Theprocess according to claim 1, wherein R⁴ is substituted with a hydroxylgroup.
 5. The process according to claim 1, wherein R is selected fromthe group consisting of C₆-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₁₈ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₈ dienyl, andC₃-C₈ cycloalkyl; R¹ is a C₃-C₄ alkylene group; R² and R³ are eachindependently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl andC₁-C₆ alkenyl; R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methylene,ethylene, propylene, butylene, and hydroxypropylene; X is O or NH; andY⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.
 6. The process according to claim 1, wherein R isselected from the group consisting of C₆-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₁₈ alkenyl, andC₆-C₁₈ dienyl; R¹ is 1,3-propylene or 1,4-butylene; R² and R³ are bothmethyl; R⁴ is 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene; X is O or NH; and Y⁻ is SO₃ ⁻. 7.The process according to claim 6, wherein X is NH.
 8. The processaccording to claim 1, wherein at least two of R¹, R², and R³ areconnected with the N⁺ to form a heterocyclic ring.
 9. The processaccording to claim 8, wherein the heterocyclic ring is selected from thegroup consisting of pyrrolidinium, piperidinium, pyridinium,quinolinium, tetrahydroquinolinium, indolinium, octahydroindolinium,acridinium, octahydroacridinium, and tetradecahydroacridinium.
 10. Theprocess according to claim 1, wherein R is lauryl, myristyl, cetyl,stearyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from a vegetable oil, anut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ is ethylene, 1,3-propylene, or 1,4-butylene;R² and R³ are both methyl; R⁴ is methylene, ethylene, propylene,butylene, or hydroxypropylene; X is O or NH; and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.11. The process according to claim 1, wherein R is lauryl, myristyl,cetyl, stearyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from a vegetableoil, a nut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ and R² combine with the N⁺ to form a3-piperidinium, a 4-piperidinium, a 3-piperidiniummethyl, a4-piperidiniummethyl, a 3-pyridinium, a 4-pyridinium, a3-pyridiniummethyl, or a 4-pyridiniummethyl group; R³ is methyl; R⁴ ismethylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, or hydroxypropylene; X is O orNH; and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.
 12. The process according to claim 11,wherein X is NH.
 13. The process according to claim 1, wherein R islauryl, myristyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from a vegetableoil, a nut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ is 1,3-propylene or 1,4-butylene; R²and R³ are both methyl; R⁴ is 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene; X is O or NH; andY⁻ is SO₃ ⁻.
 14. The process according to claim 13, wherein X is NH. 15.A process for preparing a mixture comprising at least two compoundshaving the formula 1:

wherein R is a C₃-C₂₄ hydrocarbyl group; R¹ is a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbylgroup; R² and R³ are each independently a C₁-C₆ alkyl or alkenyl group;at least two of R¹, R², and R³ may be connected with the N⁺ to form aheterocyclic ring; R⁴ is a C₁-C₈ hydrocarbyl group; X is O or NH; and Y⁻is CO₂ ⁻, SO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ⁻, PO₃ ⁻², or PO₄ ⁻², and wherein the at least twocompounds have at least one different R substituent, the processcomprising: (a) contacting a mixture comprising at least two amines oralcohols of formula 2 with an amino acid derivative of formula 3:

in the presence of an enzyme at conditions effective to form at leasttwo intermediates of formula 4:

wherein R, R¹, R², R³, and X are as defined above, R⁷ is hydrogen or aC₁-C₄ alkyl group, the at least two amines or alcohols of the formula 2have different R substituents, and the at least two intermediates of theformula 4 have different R substituents; and (b) contacting theintermediates of formula 4 with a carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate,phosphonate, or phosphate alkylating agent at conditions effective toform the mixture of at least two compounds of the formula
 1. 16. Theprocess according to claim 15, wherein R is lauryl, myristyl, cetyl,stearyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from a vegetable oil, anut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ is ethylene, 1,3-propylene, or 1,4-butylene;R² and R³ are both methyl; R⁴ is methylene, ethylene, propylene,butylene, or hydroxypropylene; X is O or NH; and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.17. The process according to claim 15, wherein R is lauryl, myristyl,cetyl, stearyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived from a vegetableoil, a nut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ and R² combine with the N⁺ to form a3-piperidinium, a 4-piperidinium, a 3-piperidiniummethyl, a4-piperidiniummethyl, a 3-pyridinium, a 4-pyridinium, a3-pyridiniummethyl, or a 4-pyridiniummethyl group; R³ is methyl; R⁴ ismethylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, or hydroxypropylene; X is O orNH; and Y⁻ is CO₂ ⁻ or SO₃ ⁻.
 18. The process according to claim 15,wherein R is lauryl, myristyl, or a C₆ to C₂₀ alkyl radical derived froma vegetable oil, a nut oil, or a seed oil; R¹ is 1,3-propylene or1,4-butylene; R² and R³ are both methyl; R⁴ is 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylene;X is O or NH; and Y⁻ is SO₃ ⁻.
 19. The process according to claim 18,wherein X is NH.
 20. The process according to claim 15, wherein R⁴ issubstituted with a hydroxyl group.